“People say, 'Well, you know, he got out of shape.' OK. I understand that. I'm a man. I'm going to take full responsibility for that. And at the same time, I take responsibility for losing all that weight and getting that opportunity to get looked at, to come back. Like I said, I can't blame nobody but myself. Now, I'm working hard.”

Since signing a one-year deal with the Chargers, Henderson has been working out, often three to four times a day, with heavy cardio.

On the field, Henderson, who has 28 career starts, grades himself at a “C” right now. During his nine structured weeks with the Chargers, he took every second-string rep behind starter Jared Gaither at left tackle.

Offensive line coach Hal Hunter said Henderson, understandably, looked a “little bit rusty” after a year out of the league, “but he's headed in the right direction.”

The next step is training camp.

Veterans report on July 25. The first full-squad practice is the 26th.

“He's an athletic guy," coach Norv Turner said, "and he's earned the right to compete for a spot, whether it's the backup tackle spot or a swing tackle spot. He's earned that right. He's done what we've asked him to do. He should be very proud of himself.”

A year ago, the scale tipped against Henderson.

Most fans gave up on him. Some friends did, too.

But the Chargers called, offering a contract and a second chance. Henderson, grinning with gold, says he won't forget it.

"I owe them," Henderson said. “Say we're at a restaurant or something, and the Chargers get into a fight and they need someone to get 'em, they can send me. I'm going to fight for them."